what education is required to be a freelance writer

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FREELANCE COMMUNITY

• The Credentials You Need to Be a Freelance Writer

Be a risk-taking freelance writer

Desire is more powerful than a degree, freelance writer credentials that matter most.

Note: Think you’re missing the credentials or qualifications to be a successful freelance writer? I wrote this post five years ago, and I still see a lot of writers struggle with this. The credentials that really matter have nothing to do with writing, and everything to do with mindset. Enjoy! -Carol.

If I’ve learned one thing mentoring freelance writers, it’s this: Writers are hung up on qualifications.

I wish I had a dime for every time a freelance writer told me:

“I’ve always wanted to pursue a career as a freelance writer, but given that I lack a journalism degree, I felt unqualified.”

To which I can only say: Hey. Me too. Both on the no-degree front (I’m a college dropout with a degree in nothing), and the feeling inadequate thing, too.

Except I just plunged in and started writing anyway.

Do you think lack of qualifications or credentials are holding your back from being a successful freelance writer?

Are you thinking about going back to school, taking another course, or talking yourself out of pitching higher-paying clients because you don’t have an impressive resume?

Everyone should be a life-long learner. But you don’t need a degree or credentials to learn how to become a freelance writer . Nor do you need any special qualifications to start landing beginner freelance writing jobs . Here’s what you really need to find freelance writing jobs :

When I decided to pursue a career as a writer, without the “proper” qualifications, it was a risk. But that willingness to go for it anyway and expose my writing to the world, despite not having traditional reporter credentials paid off in, among other things:

• Appearing in the Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal
• Two staff-writing jobs that definitely required a bachelor’s degree
• Winning a national business writing award for the first time in my newsweekly’s 25-year history
• Writing for national magazines and Fortune 500 companies
• Becoming a freelancer and cracking six figures in income

Here’s the secret: Freelance writers never feel legit. We all feel like frauds.

The successful writers just do it anyway.

I was reminded of this during a very funny presentation at the  World Domination Summit  a couple years ago. Top blogger Darren Rowse of ProBlogger put up a slide explaining his qualifications for starting his blog:

My favorite one has to be where he couldn’t figure out how to even bold text! His point was he had absolutely no business starting a blog. But he wanted to blog, so he called himself a freelance writer and got started.

You see, writing isn’t a career where credentials matter. I wish more writers knew that.

Or not the traditional kind, anyway.

The credentials you need to be a successful freelance writer or blogger aren’t earned in a university. If you have the credentials I list below, you are on your way as a freelance writer and a lot of doors are going to open up to you.

Here are the three credentials you really need:

When you’re told a piece of news, do you find yourself asking questions about it? Wondering what will happen next? Why this thing has happened? And then, do you feel compelled to learn more?

This is an essential for any writer. You need to explore. To ask questions. To know. And to share what you find out with the world through the written word.

That natural curiosity will take you far. I’m always joking that I am the original cat that curiosity killed. And brought back. I drive my family nuts with my questions about everything.

That drive to learn and understand will give you a steady stream of interesting stuff to write about that nobody else has thought to explore.

Let’s face it — you can’t be a freelance writer unless you are willing to put it out there and face rejection. You have to be willing to hear “no” and not crumple up in a ball and cry yourself to sleep.

You have to keep pushing, even though there’s a ton of competition out there. You have to be brave and confident that you have something unique to offer the world in your prose.

You could be a brilliant writer sitting in your back bedroom typing alone. But without the courage to publish, you can’t build a career as a writer.

I recently heard from someone who wanted me to give them some coaching. He announced he had $1 million in the bank and wanted to start freelance writing for something fun to do.

I didn’t even respond, because I know this would-be writer is never going to do this for a living. Why? Because being a freelance writer (or a successful blogger) is hard.

Freelancing and building a blog both require hustle, and if you already have a fortune in the bank and have never felt the drive to write before now, you’re probably not going to bother.

One top blogger told me you’ll only become a successful blogger if you have no other way to feed your family. If you have any other option, you’ll take it. Because writing for a living is tough. You have to want it, bad.

You have to crave that recognition and urgently need the money your writing could bring you. Or you’ll write novels in a garret that are published after you die.

But if you have these three things — curiosity, courage, and hunger — you can write your way to wherever you want to go.

What credentials do you think freelance writers need?  Let’s discuss on my Facebook page.

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How to Become a Freelance Writer

• You can set your own schedule as a freelance writer.
• Freelance writing requires you to be self-motivated and deadline-conscious.
• Read books, take courses, and seek online resources to learn more about this career.

Freelance writing is an alluring career for many reasons: You can do it from anywhere, set your own hours, specialize in topics that interest you, and get paid to talk to interesting people.

If you’re a self-motivated person who knows how to research, conduct interviews, and meet deadlines, it might be a good career for you. Even better, it’s a career that’s on the rise. According to a 2022 report by the Content Marketing Institute, 75% of large companies surveyed said they outsourced their content marketing work, up from 71% in 2019.

The pandemic has led to growth in the freelance economy, but even prior to that, freelance writers were in demand. Brands and publishers have an almost bottomless need for new content, both online and in print.

What Does a Freelance Writer Do?

Freelance writing can encompass many tasks. You may write for newspapers, consumer magazines, trade magazines, custom publications, blogs, newsletters, websites, business reports, podcasts, commercials, videos, or even greeting cards. Freelance writing is a field of many possibilities.

According to Payscale, the average annual salary for a freelance writer was $40,450 in April 2022. However, pay varies greatly. It’s possible to make six figures a year as a freelance writer.

Staff writers work for one company, but freelance writers generally work for several. Freelance writers can work remotely, but they may be asked to meet in person from time to time.

What Do You Need to Become a Freelance Writer?

To succeed as a freelance writer, you’ll need more than just writing ability. You’ll also need the discipline to keep yourself on track and stay motivated when work isn’t pouring in.

You’ll also need to be able to take criticism and rejection well. Editors sometimes ask even experienced freelancers for extensive revisions.

A reliable computer and internet connection are also crucial. Depending on the kind of writing you want to do, you may need a digital recording device or app to record interviews.

To find freelance writing jobs, you’ll need proof that you can write. Many freelance writers compile portfolios of clips to share with prospective clients and editors. (“Clips” are links or files of your published work.)

While some freelance writers possess degrees related to writing , it’s possible to pursue this career path without a degree.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Freelancer

1. educate yourself.

Read books, take courses, and seek online resources to learn more about the specific types of freelance writing you’d like to do. Online, you can find resources about content marketing , grant writing , technical writing , and more. Take the time to understand how to write effectively for today’s market.

2. Get clips.

When you’re starting out, you may build clips by writing for local publications or your own blog. You might also write “on spec,” meaning that you write a few pieces in full to submit rather than sending out pitches, or ideas. Try to build a niche or two: Write several articles on a specialized topic to position yourself as an expert.

3. Build a website.

Store clips on your own website or on Contently . Links get outdated, so be sure to save online files as PDFs, too. Your website doesn’t need to be fancy or cost a lot of money to keep up. You can build it yourself using a template on any of the popular do-it-yourself platforms like Squarespace or Wix.

4. Look for calls for writers.

Social media is a great place to hunt for work, but trying to find individual calls for writers yourself can be tedious. There are a couple of great aggregators. Try Sonia Weiser’s Opportunities of the Week newsletter, which compiles a list of calls for pitches from publications.

5. Network.

Learn how to build an effective LinkedIn profile , and join writing groups online or in person. Attend conferences for writers. You can pick up so much from other professionals in your field — everything from tips about editors who are great to work with to warnings about companies in financial trouble.

6. Send pitches and letters of interest.

Pitches are proposals of what you’d like to write. In a pitch, a writer outlines their article or blog ideas and explains why they’re the right person to write the piece. Pitches are usually no more than a paragraph or two. Letters of interest are more general introductions that allow you to share your availability, introduce yourself, and discuss your skills.

Pros and Cons of Freelance Writing

• You can work from home. Remote work means you won’t lose time by commuting, and there’s no need to put on shoes.
• Your income is unlimited. Depending on your output, you may earn far more as a freelancer than as a staff writer.
• You get to choose what projects to accept. As a freelancer, it’s always your choice to take assignments or look for ones that interest you more.
• It can be unpredictable. Losing a steady client can mean a big drop in income.
• Remote writing jobs don’t usually come with benefits. You’ll likely need to buy your own health insurance. There’s also no paid time off or retirement fund.
• You’ll pay self-employment tax, which is currently 15.3% of your net earnings .

Frequently Asked Questions About Freelance Writing

How much do freelance writers get paid.

Freelance writers are paid in three ways: per word, per hour, or by flat rate. There’s an enormous range of fees depending on the size and budget of the publisher or business, the research requirements, and the niche.

National magazines sometimes pay $1-2 per word, but their online counterparts may offer half that amount. You’ll find countless low-paying opportunities, but if your aim is to earn a living, you can’t spend much time answering those calls.

Content writers frequently quote flat fees per project that are based on projected hourly fees. Your rate per hour should depend on the intensity of the project and your expertise. In these situations, the rate could be $150 or more per hour.

How do I become a freelancer with no experience?

It is possible to send a query letter or pitch to a major publication and get an assignment even if you have no clips to show, but it’s unlikely. When it happens, it’s usually because you have a story no one else can tell: a personal essay or unusual expertise or experience.

More often, writers break into the industry by first writing for a few smaller markets on spec or demonstrating their writing skills by maintaining a blog.

You can also get started in content marketing writing by sending letters to content managers you find on LinkedIn, explaining what you can offer, and asking about their content needs.

Is freelance writing a good career?

Freelance writing is a great career — for some people. But it may not be a fit for others. Freelancing requires a lot of discipline and the ability to withstand uncertainty. Your income may fluctuate considerably from one month to the next, so you need to be comfortable managing your finances .

If you enjoy getting paid to learn about a variety of topics and share what you’ve learned with others, freelance writing could be right for you. For many, freelancing is a satisfying and lucrative lifelong career.

How to become a freelance writer: The complete guide to getting started

Freelance writing holds major appeal—both as a side hustle and as a full-time job. Not only is it a great way to earn money, it’s also a good opportunity to acquire a new professional skill set and learn about interesting topics. 

Getting started as a freelance writer takes more than motivation, though. In addition to resourcefulness, persistence, and writing skills, you also need a basic understanding of the path ahead. 

If you’re wondering how to become a freelance writer, we’ve got everything you need to know covered in this article. Keep reading to discover what freelance writing is and how you can get started today.

What is freelance writing?

Freelance writing refers to any writing-related work done by freelancers or independent contractors. Like freelance graphic design or consulting, freelance writing is a broad field that spans a wide range of industries and niches. Many businesses—regardless of their size—hire freelance writers to write everything from brochures and restaurant menus to website copy and press releases. 

Some people become a freelance writer as an intellectual or creative pursuit they do along with their day job. For others, it’s a practical way to earn extra income outside of their full-time job. And for some, freelance writing is a full-time job. 

As with all types of freelancing, there are benefits and drawbacks to freelance writing:

Advantages of freelance writing

• Autonomy over your schedule: As a freelancer, you can set your own hours and work when it’s most convenient for you. 
• Control over your projects: You can pick and choose projects, pitch topics you’re passionate about, and say no to assignments you’re not interested in. 
• Flexible rates: You can set your own rates and change them whenever you need to. 
• Freedom to learn and grow: When you’re not bound to writing for one particular publication or company, you can follow your interests and passions wherever they lead you, changing course as often as you like. 
• No ceiling: How you progress and develop as a freelancer is totally up to you. You can take on a handful of assignments every month for fun, or create a full-fledged freelance writing career if you want. 
• Flexibility in how and where you work: You aren’t bound by location or rules when freelance writing. You can work in whatever manner and place suits you best. 
• Minimal equipment required: All you need is internet access and a computer and you’re good to go.
• ‍ Low barrier to entry: You usually don’t need a degree, specialized certification, or even years of experience to become a freelance writer. You just need a good work ethic and decent writing chops.

Disadvantages of freelance writing

• Burden of securing work: Until you’re more established, clients aren't going to appear out of thin air. As a freelance writer, it’s on you to actively seek out writing jobs and assignments. 
• Lack of structure: Unless you’re working hourly with a manager overseeing you, you’re responsible for managing your time and deadlines.  
• Inconsistent income: The amount of money you earn is directly related to the quality and volume of assignments you’re submitting—not the hours you put in. As a result, some months will be leaner than others.  
• Slow growth: It takes time (and patience) to build up a portfolio and secure steady, well-paying gigs. Depending on their skill levels, expertise, and niches, new freelance writers could be working for months or years without consistent assignments and regular clients. 
• Tough feedback: Part of being a freelance writer is conducting revisions and learning to take feedback. Some clients don’t know what they want until they see it, while others will have detailed (and sometimes harsh) feedback. 
• Rejection: Being turned down for freelance writing gigs and getting ghosted by editors and clients is normal, unfortunately. You may encounter more rejection than acceptance as a freelance writer, especially when you’re just starting out.  
• Multiple hats: Writing isn’t the only skill you need as a freelance writer. You also have to be good at researching, marketing, communicating, networking, editing, negotiating, and doing administrative tasks. 

Freelance writing isn’t for everyone, but it could be a good fit for you if you:

• Are good at writing and you enjoy it. 
• Like researching. 
• Are comfortable with a changing workload and uncertain income. 
• Like writing about a variety of different topics. 
• Don’t mind reaching out to people to ask for work. 
• Want to work when it’s most convenient for you. 
• Are interested in learning new skills. 
• Have a healthy attitude toward rejection. 
• Are good at managing your time. 
• Are tenacious.

Understanding the different types of freelance writing

There are countless types of freelance writing, and each one pays differently and requires different skills. Depending on the type of writing you’re interested in, you could do anything from penning health articles for a national news publication to writing grants for non-profit organizations to writing short stories for a literary journal. 

Ready to learn about the most common types of freelance writing? Let's get started.

When most people think of freelance writing, they think of journalism. Journalism is when you write for a newspaper, magazine, or news site. Unlike writing for marketing, journalism is objective in nature (with the exception of opinion pieces). As a result, journalism writing usually requires a substantial amount of reporting, interviewing, and fact checking.  

These days, you don’t necessarily need a journalism degree to become a freelance writer, but it can help you land pitches and connect with editors more easily. Even if you don’t have a degree in journalism, you may still want to take a journalism class. Not only are there distinct stylistic and formatting rules to be aware of, there are also lots of ethical considerations around reporting and interviewing subjects.  

The pay: Local or online news outlets may pay $50 a piece or a few hundred dollars; more established publications can pay up to $1 or $2 a word.

Content marketing writing

Content marketing writing, also called content writing, is any type of online writing used for marketing purposes. Content writing can take the form of reported articles, blog posts, how-to guides, customer success stories, white papers, ebooks, infographics, thought leadership articles, and video scripts. 

Some companies want B2C (business to consumer) content writing, which is written from the business’s perspective to its customers. Others want B2B (business to business) writing, which is when a business speaks directly to other businesses. 

You don’t need marketing knowledge to do content marketing writing, but you should be able to do the following: 1) adapt the voice and tone of your writing to align with different brands, and 2) incorporate specific brand messaging and product mentions into your writing in a cohesive way. 

The pay: As more businesses recognize the value of quality content in digital marketing, the more they are investing in it. As a result, a freelance content writing career is becoming increasingly more lucrative. Depending on the brand, you could earn a few hundred dollars for an article and thousands of dollars for a white paper or ebook.

Search engine optimization (SEO) writing

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the science and art of improving website traffic. A lot of companies hire SEO writers to help them redo their written content in order to appear higher in Google search results and bring more visitors to their websites. 

SEO writing can take a number of different forms, from blog posts and articles to web copy and advertisements. Anyone can write with SEO in mind, but it does take a certain amount of finesse to do it well. You also have to understand your audience and be able to speak to their unique challenges and goals. 

The pay: Everyone from bloggers to major corporations depend on SEO, which means the pay for SEO writing varies widely depending on the company or individual hiring you. For blog posts and website copy, you could earn anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand.

Copywriting

Copywriting is writing designed to sell something. Also called advertising or marketing writing, copywriting can take the form of website copy, brochure copy, emails, and social media ads. Organizations of all types—from local coffee shops and nonprofits to hospitals and tech startups—need copywriters. 

To be a successful copywriter, you should have good persuasive writing skills and at least a basic knowledge of sales tactics. You also need to be able to write in a specific brand voice and adhere to strict brand messaging guidelines. 

The pay: Because copywriting is closer to the point of sale, it usually commands a higher price. Depending on the type of writing and company hiring, you could earn anywhere from $50 to upwards of $200 for a single email, or a few hundred dollars or several thousand for a website landing page (home page).

Academic and educational writing

Academic and educational writing can take the form of writing grants, proposals, research papers, textbooks, curriculum material, and scientific studies, to name a few. Universities, nonprofit organizations, large academic corporations, and think tanks may need academic writers. 

Because academic writing is more specialized and formal than other types of writing, you may need a degree, certification, or experience in a particular field. 

The pay: Rates vary widely for academic writing. Depending on how well funded the hiring organization is you could earn a couple thousand dollars for a grant, for example, and potentially tens of thousands for a textbook or curriculum compilation.

Blogging is an umbrella term that applies to a handful of different types of writing. Content writing and SEO writing, for example, can be blogging, but not all blogging is considered SEO or content marketing writing. 

Blog posts generally have an informal, conversational tone, and exist on dedicated blogs and company websites. Global corporations like Disney and Apple have blogs, as do many sole proprietors and small business owners. 

The pay: Depending on the company, you could earn anywhere from $20 for a blog post to upwards of $1,000.

Creative writing

Creative writing has a broad and loose application—and every kind of creative writing requires a different skill set and qualifications. Creative writing can be anything from blogging or ghostwriting a novel to writing a screenplay for a TV network or crafting poems or short stories for a literary magazine. 

The pay: Scoring a well-paying creative writing job can be tough if you don’t have any connections. Plus, the pay can be extremely varied. Writing for a successful TV show, for example, could net you a hundred thousand dollars or more, while picking up odd jobs ghostwriting may only get you a couple thousand dollars here or there.

Technical writing

Technical writing refers to writing that describes the technical abilities or process of a device, product, or type of software. Technical writing usually comes in the form of user manuals and software guides, although sometimes white papers require technical writing. 

To be a competent technical writer, you need the following: an extensive knowledge of how a particular product or system works, the ability to think analytically, and the ability to write in both jargon and layman’s terms. 

The pay: Because it’s so specialized and tedious, technical writing usually pays well. You could earn the equivalent of $1 a word or more.

Social media writing

Social media writing is a growing field. Though it can fall under the umbrella of copywriting, it doesn’t always. Many businesses and organizations want social media writers who can craft compelling captions, write in a clear and consistent brand voice, and occasionally put out calls to action to buy products or sign up for services.

Being a good social media writer requires staying up to date with changing social media language and trends, as well as understanding how images and words work together to tell a story. 

The pay: Most social media writers charge by the hour, and make anywhere from $20 to $50 an hour.

How to become a freelance writer

If you’re eager to become a freelance writer but don’t know where to start, don’t stress. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and intimidated when you're just getting started, but with some research and preparation—along with a healthy dose of discipline—you’ll be freelance writing in no time. 

Here is our step-by-step guide on how to become a freelance writer, whether you want it to be a part-time side hustle or a full-time career:

Step 1: Do your research

Before you get started on your freelance writing career, you need to understand what you’re in for. After all, there’s a lot more to freelance writing than simply stringing sentences together.

Instead of diving straight in, take the time to familiarize yourself with freelancing by reading books or scouring the internet for information. Helpful resources include: 

• The Write Life
• Make a Living Writing
• Be a Freelance Blogger 
• FreelanceWriting.com
• SmartBlogger
• Copyhackers

You may also want to join a couple of online writing groups, such as The Write Life Community on Facebook or r/Writing on Reddit. You can also browse local or niche-specific groups on Google or Facebook by searching “freelance writers + [your location]” or “[type of writing] + freelance writers.” 

Community groups are a great place to gather information, ask questions, and connect with other established and aspiring freelance writers.

Step 2: Assess your skills and interests

When you first start freelance writing, it’s crucial to have direction and purpose—and figuring out what you’re good at can help. To assess your skill set and interests, start by creating a list of all your education and experiences. Include everything from the after-school jobs you held to the online courses you took for fun, even if they weren’t relevant to writing. 

Then, for each item on the list, write down the various skills or knowledge you developed for that role. For example, if you worked as an administrative assistant, the skills might be communication, scheduling, task management, and organization.

Next, in a separate list, write out all of your interests and passions, no matter how seemingly trivial or strange. Your passions may or may not intersect with your job or education experience and that’s okay. On this list, everything from cooking and hiking to fashion and playing guitar is fair game. 

Once you complete both lists, give them a thorough review. Circle any repeating words you see and make note of any patterns. Then ask yourself the following questions: 

• Where do I have the most experience? 
• Where do I have the most specialized knowledge? 
• What are my favorite things to learn or talk about? 
• Do my interests overlap with my work or education history? If so, where? 
• If I had to write an article right now on any subject, what would it be? 

Answering these questions will give you a better idea of what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing. From there, you can figure out how to apply your life experiences to your freelance writing endeavors. 

For example, if you’ve worked as an IT manager handling security systems, you could potentially write about corporate security software or consumer products for a security company. If you love decluttering your closet, you might be able to find projects writing about organization tactics for a storage or moving company. If you teach elementary school, you could write articles about curriculum updates for a textbook company.

Once you’ve spent some time brainstorming possible writing avenues, the next step is to identify a niche.

Step 3: Identify a niche

A niche is simply a specific topic you want to write about. You don’t have to adopt a niche to become a successful freelance writer, but having one—or a few—can help you stand out and gain traction in your freelance writing business. Here are a few benefits of having a writing niche:

• It gives you credibility and authority on certain subjects. 
• It makes it easier for potential clients to find you. 
• It helps you specialize and build a portfolio quicker. 
• It can give you the confidence to charge more. 
• It can help you narrow your search when looking for work. 

You’ll have the most success if your freelance writing niche is an area where you have tons of experience and expertise. However, you can still choose a niche where you have little knowledge or experience, you’ll just have to work a bit harder to educate yourself and get relevant writing samples.

To pick your niche, the first step is to choose an industry or field. The second step is to choose a focus within that industry. The third step is to zoom in on an even more specific focus.

Let’s say the industry is health and wellness. Within the health industry, you might want to focus on fitness, and within that you might want to zoom in on running. That means you could write running-related articles and blog posts for running publications, fitness apps, or apparel companies. 

Identifying a few different niches gives you an idea of where to start looking for clients, but remember you can change your niche at any time. Plus, certain clients and styles of writing will span a few different niches at once, so you might have the opportunity to develop expertise in multiple areas without extending your job reach too much.

Step 4: Find out who your ideal clients are

Once you define your niche or niches, there are two main ways to find your first client and future work going forward: 1) search for freelance writing gigs and jobs within your wheelhouse, and/or 2) reach out to potential clients or editors directly.

Here are the two steps to follow to find your first client:

1. Research the companies, businesses, and publications within your niche

Grab a snack and get cozy: it’s time for some intensive Googling. Start by searching “[your niche] + companies,” “[your niche] + websites,” and “[your niche] + outlets.” Play around with your search terms by incorporating the name of your city or region, or searching “top [your niche] businesses” or “best [your niche] blogs.” 

As you hunt around each website, try to answer the following questions: 

• Is there a good amount of written content? 
• If so, what is the writing like in terms of subject matter and style? 
• Are they hiring freelance writers?  

If you’re browsing a news publication or blog, look for a section that says “editorial guidelines,” “submissions,” or “staff.” You might find a web page that gives you more details about the outlet’s submission process, pitch guidelines, or pay rate. If you’re lucky, you may even find the name and contact information of the various people on the editorial team. 

On the other hand, if you’re browsing a small business or company website, keep an eye out for a blog, resource center, or customer story section. From there, take note of the byline for each article or blog post, then scroll down the page to see if there’s an author bio. 

If there are a handful of different bylines and the writers don’t work for the company in question, there’s a good chance the company hires freelance writers to create their pieces.

2. Create a prospect list

After you’ve done a healthy amount of research, start making a list of prospective clients by niche. Use an Excel or Google spreadsheet to compile your information and organize it by category. Include the following: 

• Website link
• Name and description of company and/or outlet
• Description of the site’s content
• Idea of the writing services you could offer (like website copywriting or blog writing)
• Link to a submissions or staff page, if applicable 
• Contact information

If you don’t find contact information for an editorial director, content manager, project manager, or business owner, you may have to do some extra digging. This is where LinkedIn comes in handy. You can search a company’s name along with job titles like “content manager,” “marketing director,” or “editor in chief,” depending on what seems most relevant to the projects you’re interested in. 

Read each person’s profile, looking for an indication that they collaborate with freelancers. Some people might say they manage blog content as part of their job description; others might say they’re in charge of reading pitches from freelance writers or handling the company’s digital marketing campaigns. If someone seems like a prospective client, record their name, title, and email address (if available) on your spreadsheet. 

You’ll reference this list later when you’re reaching out to clients directly.

Step 5: Build an online presence

If you want to become a freelance writer, it’s critical to have an online presence even if you're just getting started. At the very least, you need a website or portfolio to showcase your skills, sell your services, and share your contact information. Prospective clients and editors may also want to see your LinkedIn profile and social media handles, depending on the type of writing you’re doing. 

When you’re building out your online presence, keep your niche and target clientele in mind. Instead of simply calling yourself a freelance writer, describe yourself in specific terms, such as “technical copywriter” or “freelance education journalist.” You should also keep your niche in mind when choosing which writing samples to share and how to position your services. 

Ready to get started? Here are four steps to take when creating or revamping your online presence:

1. Create a website

Think of your website or portfolio as the first impression you make as a freelancer. Not only is it an example of your writing skills, it’s also a window into who you are as an individual. A good website doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated, but it should be personal, professional, and detailed. 

Start by developing a landing page that explains who you are and what you write about. You can choose a layout, font, and color scheme that fits your personal style and brand, but the page should still be clear and easy to navigate. 

If you want to make your site minimal, you can include all your information—from past experience to contact information—on the landing page itself. However, if you want more space to explain your process and services, you may want to create separate web pages for visitors to click. 

Arguably the most important part of your website is your portfolio. Keep in mind that your portfolio shouldn’t include every single thing you’ve ever written. Rather, it should display a selection of strong writing samples relevant to your niche. 

As you get more experience, you can add the names of brands you’ve worked with or list the various outlets where you’ve been published.  

Here are a few website platforms where you can pick a template and design your own site—no design knowledge necessary. 

• Squarespace
• WordPress.com

If you want to create a portfolio separate from your website, or if you don't have the money or bandwidth to build a website yet, you can still make a freelance writing portfolio. Contently and Writerfolio let you create free, simple portfolios to show off your freelancing experience.

2. Clean up your social media profiles

Do you plan on using your personal social media profiles to get freelancing gigs? If not, you may want to set them to private mode to keep your professional writing separate from your personal life. 

However, if you’re interested in social media writing or if you want to use your personal platforms for looking for freelance writing opportunities, it’s a good idea to give your handles a professional refresh. Try the following:

• Switch your profile photo to a more professional image.
• Change your social media handles to your full name or something with the word “writer” included.
• Update your bio to mention your work as a writer and link to your website.
• Delete any inappropriate or unprofessional posts or images.
• Consider updating your profile from a personal account to a professional account to give you more credibility. ‍

3. Build out your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is an amazing place to pitch editors, apply to freelance writing jobs, and connect with potential clients. Instead of letting your profile sit idle with outdated information, take the time to update it in a manner similar to your website. You might want to:

• Change your job title or description to reflect the writing you want to do.
• Update your photo.
• Specify that you’re available for freelancing.
• Update your “about” section to explain what type of writing you do, what your niches are, and which brands or outlets (if any) you’ve written for.
• Add relevant writing samples.
• Ask your former colleagues or peers to write you a recommendation referencing your writing capabilities. 
• Include your website link and contact information.

4. Make a separate email address

Unless you already have a professional-sounding email address for personal use, it’s a good idea to make a new email address for your freelance writing business. 

You could base the email address off of your website URL, your full name, or your name plus the word “writer” or “freelance writer.” Just make sure whatever you choose has lasting power. You don’t want to box yourself into a certain brand or writing niche if you think your writing career may develop and change over time. 

Try one of these free platforms to create a professional email account: 

Step 6: Learn how to pitch and craft a cold email

There are two skills you need to develop when looking for freelance writing work:

• The ability to pitch a story idea
• The ability to write a stellar cold email

Let’s discuss pitches first.

A pitch is a brief message you send to an editor describing a story or article idea you have. A pitch isn’t just selling your idea, though—it’s also selling yourself as a writer. Pitching is an art, but there’s also a structure to follow. Here are the three components every pitch needs: 

• A succinct, compelling description of your idea
• An explanation of why the idea matters and why it’s relevant to the outlet’s audience 
• A sentence or two that explains your credibility as a writer

Good pitches are original, concise, and detailed. Here’s an example of a pitch for an online magazine: 

I saw your Tweet looking for pitches for the community issue of Runner’s Magazine. Here’s an idea for you to consider:

How Runners Are Banding Together to Clean Up Their Communities

Thanks to a popular Swedish fitness trend called plogging, new running groups are forming nationwide. Their goal, however, isn’t to race or discover new trails—it’s to pick up trash as they jog.  

Plogging, which combines relaxed running with eco-conscious action, is uniting communities in cleaning up the roads and trails pedestrians, runners, and cyclists all love to frequent. The individual and communal benefits are obvious, but why is the trend picking up steam now? As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent matter, people are looking for ways to make a difference within their own areas of interest.  

I’ll interview certified running coach and owner of Nashville Run Group, Melissa Davis; Tommy Jones, a runner who started a plogging group in San Francisco; and Amy Newark, a professor of environmental awareness and change at Georgetown University. 

My work has appeared in Men’s Health and Prevention. You can see samples here [link]. Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback. 

Jamie Jordan

[Contact information]

Let’s break down why this pitch works well. First, the writer gets straight to the point by presenting the pitch at the top of the message. The pitch has a clear headline, a lede (or opening sentence), an angle that ties into the magazine’s upcoming issue theme, and an explanation of how the writer would add color and interest to the story with interviews. 

The writer also mentions their credentials, includes a link to their portfolio, and says they’re open to feedback and questions.

Cold emails

Unlike a pitch, a cold email or letter of introduction (LOI) isn’t necessarily about pitching a story idea, but about pitching yourself and your writing career. You could send a cold email to a potential client, professional contact, or HR person with the goal of introducing yourself, offering your services, or inquiring about work opportunities. 

The recipients of your cold emails should walk away with a clear understanding of who you are, what you do, and why they might want to hire you. A good LOI typically includes the following components: 

• A sentence or two explaining who you are, what type of writing you specialize in, and which businesses/publications/websites you’ve written for
• An explanation of what you can offer and how it ties into their needs
• A link to your portfolio or two or three links to specific writing samples
• A way to contact you

Here’s an example of a cold email:

Hi Rachel, 

I recently discovered your company’s resource center and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the in-depth articles comparing various smart home devices. I especially loved the piece on voice assistants [link], which was full of practical information. 

Are you looking for any new writers to contribute to the resource center? I specialize in writing reported articles and blog posts about consumer health products. I’m comfortable using SEO keywords and data in my work, as well as interviewing subject matter experts. I’ve written for websites like ConsumerProducts.org and HealthTechTrends.com. You can see some of my work here [link]. 

I’d love to send you some pitches for the resource center or discuss your content needs. If you have questions or would like to set up a time to talk, please feel free to get in touch. 

Sincerely, 

Charlotte Johnson

This cold email works well for a few reasons. First, the writer makes it clear that she knows about the company’s resource center and appreciates it. Second, the writer demonstrates her knowledge of consumer products and ties in her offerings to the company’s potential content needs. And third, the writer ends with a call to action. 

The wonderful thing about a cold email or LOI is that you only need to write it from scratch one time. Once you have a good template to work with, you can (and should!) tailor your LOI to each potential client’s style and needs.

Step 7: Find work

Now that you’re armed with a website or portfolio, a list of potential clients, and a strong LOI or pitch template, you’re ready to begin hunting for assignments. 

Keep in mind that finding freelance writing work is an ongoing endeavor, one that takes resourcefulness, consistency, and perseverance. It’s also a numbers game. The more people you email and the more opportunities you apply to, the more likely you are to get a positive response. Eventually, you might start getting clients through word of mouth.

Ready to get started? Here are some of the best ways to find freelance writing assignments:

Apply to jobs on LinkedIn

Change your LinkedIn job settings to filter for “freelance” or “contract” jobs. Then turn on your notifications for job alerts and start browsing the new postings every day. Some jobs allow you to attach your LinkedIn profile as your resume, while others will require you to send in a separate resume and cover letter or email.

Apply to jobs on job boards

There are a multitude of job boards that cater to freelance writers. Some of them are hit and miss, but if you spread out your search and look regularly you can find plenty of well-paid job opportunities, many with the potential to turn into ongoing work. 

Keep in mind that some job boards are free to browse, but others require a monthly fee for access. Here are a handful to check out:  

• Writers Weekly
• BloggingPro.com
• Indeed.com ‍

Make a portfolio on job sites

There are content platforms, such as Contently , ClearVoice , and Skyword , that connect freelance writers with legitimate clients. The only catch? On most of these platforms, you can’t actually search for writing jobs yourself. You have to build a portfolio and wait for a client or platform administrator to contact you about a work opportunity.

Send pitches to editors

If you’re interested in freelance journalism or blogging, sending pitches to editors or content managers is a great way to get work. You could even try a double or triple pitch, which is when you include two or three story ideas in one email. 

Just try to be thoughtful about which pitches you send, when you send them, and to whom. Many editors don’t like simultaneous pitching, which is when you pitch the same idea to several different publications at a time to see who bites first.

Send cold emails to prospective clients

Send an LOI to as many potential clients as you can. Use the instructions from Steps 4 and 6 of this guide to build a prospect list and write a stellar cold email. As you send your emails, note the dates in a spreadsheet, then schedule follow-up emails for two weeks later if you don’t receive a response.

Respond to tweets that ask for writers

If you have a Twitter account, it’s a good practice to follow the companies, businesses, and publications in your niche, as well as the people who work at those places. Think editors, content managers, creative directors, and digital marketing specialists. That way, you’ll be one of the first to see if these people post about needing a writer. 

You may also want to follow handles that share writing-related job opportunities, such as @Write_Jobs , @WhoPaysWriters , and @JJobs_tweets . Responding to tweets with your contact information or portfolio link could land you a few freelance writing gigs, or at the very least a conversation with an editor or hiring manager.

Ask your family and friends

Consider sending an email to your personal contacts asking if they know of anyone who needs a freelancer. Explain what you specialize in and what types of writing you’re open to, then include your website or portfolio link.

Do a guest blog post on another site to gain traction

If you need exposure or want to build up your portfolio, try pitching a guest blog post to a site within your niche. A lot of websites and blogs accept guest posts from contributors on a variety of topics. Though some sites pay well, others don’t compensate guest contributors at all. However, if the website has a massive audience, it could be worth your time and energy to pitch an unpaid post in exchange for exposure.

Join a freelance writing group

There are hundreds of online freelance writing groups that post job opportunities or share referrals. To weed through the muck, try searching by your writing specialty, niche, or location.

Reach out to people on LinkedIn

Connecting with editors, content managers, and business owners in the niches you’re interested in is a great way to expand your network and keep an eye out for writing opportunities. Don’t send connection requests at random, though. Make sure you select the option to “add a note,”  then spend one or two sentences introducing yourself and explaining why you’re reaching out. 

Depending on why you’re connecting, you could say something like: 

• Love [your company’s] blog! It’s such a great resource. 
• I write about [your company’s specialty] and wanted to connect. 
• Do you need freelance writers who specialize in [relevant topic]? If so, I’d love to connect.

Step 8: Market yourself as a freelance writer

Every successful freelance writer has a marketing strategy. Marketing helps you get steady work, score client referrals, and keep your name and services front of mind. Simply put, marketing is the foundation you lay so future clients come to you with assignments and opportunities. 

Marketing takes thoughtfulness and regular effort, but it’s not as complicated as it seems. In fact, you’ve probably already done a lot of marketing up until this point. Keep at it by allocating at least a couple of hours a day to marketing work.

Here are some common marketing tasks you can do as a freelance writer: 

• Post on your professional social media accounts.
• Update your LinkedIn profile and/or post on LinkedIn.
• Comment on your connections’ social media posts. 
• Send cold emails. 
• Apply to writing jobs.
• Sign up for a trade conference, networking event, or virtual seminar. 
• Connect with people on Twitter and LinkedIn. 
• Optimize your website for search. 
• Create a Facebook business ad for your writing services. 
• Create a one-page digital flier advertising your services. 
• Share the articles and blog posts you write on your social media accounts.

Step 9: Figure out your rates

Determining your freelance writing rates takes some trial and error. You may be tempted to set your rates before you even look for work, but that’s a recipe for disappointment. When you’re just starting out as a freelance writer, it’s better to get an idea of how much certain clients and outlets pay before you lock yourself into a rate that may not be reasonable given your niche or level of expertise. 

Here are the strategies you can use to figure out your rates: ‍

Research your industry and niche

Doing some preliminary research will give you a better idea of where to start when setting your rates. In addition to reading freelance writing blogs and perusing the discussion threads in your online writing groups, check out sites that gather data on rates. Who Pays Writers , ClearVoice , Contently , and the Editorial Freelancers Association give you an idea of standard freelance writing rates across different niches and formats. 

Remember, however, that everything is relative. Certain companies might pay $50 for a 500-word blog post, while others will pay $400 for the same exact work. The price doesn’t always reflect the quality of the work or the effort it takes to produce it; it just shows how different outlets value freelancer work.

Figure out how long it takes you to do certain assignments

Even if you haven’t received an official assignment yet, it’s smart to start tracking your time. Give yourself the task of writing a blog post, case study, or email on a subject in your niche, then see how long it takes you to complete. 

Don’t just track your writing time, though; make sure you also factor in the time it takes to research, outline, format, and proofread your work.

Determine your minimum hourly rate

Your minimum hourly rate (MHR) is the minimum amount of money you need to earn per hour to reach your financial freelance writing goals. Of course, you may not want to charge on an hourly basis, but figuring out your MHR can help you think about your rates in a more practical, realistic way. It’s an especially helpful exercise if you plan to become a full-time freelance writer.  

To start, add up your monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, food and groceries, credit card debt, entertainment, health insurance, transportation, and personal expenses. Multiplying your monthly expenses by 12 will give you an idea of the minimum salary you need to earn per year to live comfortably. 

Of course, if you want to leave room for travel, savings, emergencies, and luxuries or indulgences, you’ll need to bump up your minimum salary. 

Next, figure out what it costs to do your freelance writing work. You might have the following business costs: 

• Internet subscription
• Computer updates 
• Professional membership or subscription fees
• Website hosting  
• Accounting fees
• Office equipment
• Business cards

If you want to be a full-time freelance writer, you also have to account for your benefits, like health insurance and paid time off. Once you add up your business expenses and benefits, you’ll have a better idea of what it costs to do freelance writing. 

Let’s say you want to earn $60,000 a year as a freelance writer. After considering your finances and lifestyle, you determine that a $60,000 annual salary will allow you to cover your monthly expenses, put some cash in savings, and still have a certain level of financial freedom. 

Maybe your total business costs add up to roughly $5,000 a year, and you estimate your holiday and benefits will add up to $10,000. On top of paying yourself a $60,000 salary, that means you’re looking at a total cost of $75,000. 

To determine your MHR, you have to figure out how many billable hours you can work in a given year. There are 261 working days (give or take a number depending on whether or not it’s a leap year) in a calendar year, and typically eight working hours in a work day. 

However, you won’t necessarily be working all 261 working days, nor will you work eight billable hours each day. You have to account for sick time, vacation, doctor’s appointments, and non-billable work like meetings, marketing, and administrative tasks. 

If you give yourself 10 days off for national holidays, 14 days off for vacation time, and eight days off for sick time, you’re left with 229 working days in a calendar year. Taking into account lunch, errands, potential appointments, and non-billable work time, let’s say you can realistically log five hours of billable work each work day. 

229 x 5 = 1,145 hours

That’s 1,145 working hours in a year. Divide that by the total cost of doing business, and you’ll have your MHR. 

$75,000 / 1,145 = $65/hour

Knowing your MHR can help you evaluate freelance writing rates and jobs more accurately. Let’s say, for example, that you land an assignment to write a 1,000-word blog post for $300. According to your MHR, you can afford to spend about four and a half hours on this assignment ($300 / $65 = 4.6). 

If the topic requires a lot of research and you know the work will take you eight hours to complete, $300 may not be the best rate for you. On the other hand, if you’re well versed in the subject matter and you estimate that the assignment will take about three hours to finish, $300 is an excellent rate and you’ll be earning well over your MHR. 

To keep your expectations in check, set goals that follow the SMART format, meaning they’re specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely.

Step 10: Decide how to get paid

One of the most important parts of learning how to become a freelance writer is deciding how (and when) you will get paid for your work. One thing freelancers have historically struggled with is getting paid on time. So, we put together a handy resource that digs into why some freelancers struggle to get paid more than others, and how to increase your chances of getting paid faster. Here are some some strategies new freelance writers can take to make getting paid easier: ‍

Create a pricing sheet

To keep your rates straight, it’s helpful to create a pricing sheet that lists your target rates for different types of work. You may want to charge more for website copywriting than blogging, for example. Or maybe you charge more for articles that require quotes from subject matter experts versus articles that don’t. 

You don’t have to publish your pricing on your website, but creating a basic pricing sheet can serve as a reference point when clients ask you for your rates.

Adjust as needed

Rates aren’t set in stone—you can adjust them as needed on a case-by-case basis. For example, you might be willing to lower your usual rate in order to get a prestigious byline or establish goodwill with a potential long-term client. In other situations, you may need to increase your usual rate to compensate for a fast turnaround or additional requests.

Set up an invoicing process

Writing copy can take time, but doing admin work like creating and sending invoices to clients can pile up and be even more time-consuming. Using pre-made invoice templates is one way to save time when you're first setting up invoices for new clients.

Invoicing software like Wave can also help you set up recurring invoices for regular invoices, send payment reminders for overdue invoices, and measure how much money you're bringing in from each of your clients. This can help you create a simple process for billing clients, which can help you save time versus the manual process of creating, sending, and tracking your freelance writing invoices every single time.

Set up a business bank account

Getting a designated business bank account makes managing your income as a freelancer so much easier. Wave Money is a no-fee business bank account made for freelancers that saves you time by automating your business finances and keeping your business and your personal expenses separate. 

You can also send professional invoices to your clients through Wave Payments , which helps you access your money immediately. Did you know freelancers who enable payments on digital invoices get paid 15.4% faster ? And with Wave Money, you get access to free Instant Payouts, making it even easier to speed up your cash flow. 

Instead of spending time chasing down invoices or manually tracking your cash flow, you can focus on landing jobs and becoming a better writer.

Become a freelance writer today

Freelance writing is a great way to make money and do meaningful work, but it takes diligence and patience when you first get started. To set yourself up for success, work on researching the industry, identifying a niche, and creating a killer portfolio. Before you know it, you’ll be freelance writing like a pro.

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How to Become a Freelance Writer—Your Essential Roadmap

| Candace Osmond

| Freelance Writing

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Kickstart your freelance writing career by sharpening your writing skills and assembling a compelling portfolio to attract clients. You would have to dive into networking, explore job boards, and pitch your ideas directly to publications and companies to seize exciting writing opportunities!

Freelance writing encompasses an array of services, from crafting engaging blog posts to meticulously researched technical papers and everything in between. It epitomizes flexibility and autonomy, allowing writers to work from their favorite coffee shop or the comfort of a home office.

Freelance writing offers numerous benefits, including the freedom to choose projects, set your schedule, and potentially earn a substantial income based on your skills and dedication. However, it requires resilience and a solid foundation in spelling, grammar, and writing proficiency.

In this guide, I’ll cover how to become a freelance writer, tips on freelance writing for beginners, essential skills you’ll need, and a few pointers on how to find great clients.

So, strap in, grab your notebook, and let’s get ready to literally write your future!

How Do You Become a Freelance Writer?

To become a freelance writer, start by assessing your readiness, considering factors like your writing skills, time management abilities, and financial stability. Develop your writing skills, create a portfolio showcasing your best work, establish an online presence, find your first paying clients, and set your rates.

1. Assessing Your Readiness

Do you have the basic essential skills and traits? Successful freelance writers need to be good at writing, but they’re also self-motivated, excellent researchers, and great at meeting deadlines.

Do you enjoy learning about different topics? Are you comfortable working alone? These are important traits for freelance writers.

Perform an honest evaluation of your writing abilities and work ethic. Take a hard look at your current writing skills. Are you comfortable with grammar and style? Do you have a flair for turning complex ideas into easy-to-read content?

Your level of skill will determine where you start, but don’t worry—everyone starts somewhere! Our site has a bunch of quick and handy skill tests that you can use to see where you fall in this category.

We also have a bunch of great courses and downloadable materials that you can take at your own pace to help you become an amazing freelance writer!

2. Developing Your Skills and Portfolio

Worried you have no actual projects under your belt? No problem! We all start somewhere, but there are definitely ways around it. 

Start your own blog, contribute guest posts to established blogs and sites, or create speculative samples that showcase your writing style. There are also websites like Medium where you can create an account and post content that you can then use as work examples in a portfolio .

Also? Find your niche. Most newbies start out as generalist writers. This means you can write about several different topics from various industries with ease but not with any sort of expertise or from a place of authority.

But, nowadays, most clients are searching for SMEs (subject matter experts). What background do you have? What past jobs did you do? What did you study in school? What hobby are you extremely passionate about? These are all your subject matters that you can claim to be an expert in.

Finding a niche can make you more attractive to certain types of clients.

3. Establishing Your Online Presence

You can’t do much these days without some kind of online presence. But if you’re trying to build a career online, make sure that your presence is professional and centered around what you do. 

Here are the three main areas I tell new writers to focus on:

• Set up a website and/or portfolio: Tools like Squarespace, WordPress, or Contently can help you set up a professional-looking portfolio without needing to code. And it doesn’t have to be a crazy, heavily involved site, either. A simple, single page is all you need. State who you are, what you do, any accolades, and show off some samples of what you’ve done. 
• Optimizing your LinkedIn profile: I actually never realized how important this is until the last few years. Once I gave my LinkedIn page some love, I noticed a huge spike in online attention, and new clients started reaching out. Make sure your LinkedIn profile highlights your freelance writing services, showcases your best work, and is optimized with keywords that attract potential clients.
• Get a professional headshot and author bio: A professional photo and a compelling bio can set you apart from the crowd. You don’t have to run out to an expensive photographer, either. I set up my headshot myself using a good-quality camera and a nice office background. Also, your bio should be short and sweet but contain all the most important details a client would need to know upfront.

4. Finding Your First Paying Clients

It’s time to get paid for those words you’re spinning! Use my tips below to find and land those first-paying clients.

• Head to job boards and content mills: Content mills aren’t the most glamorous place to be due to high expectations and low pay, but they can be a good starting point to build up some experience and knowledge of the industry. Job boards are the next step up, where pay is still relatively low, but you have more control over what gigs you do.
• Direct pitching and networking: Take the leap and start pitching your services directly to potential clients via email or even social media. Sign up for industry networking events or webinars where you can meet potential clients or at least observe how they behave and search for writers.
• Cold emailing tactics: Cold emailing can be daunting. But it’s a powerful tool if done right. Tailor each email to the recipient, highlight your relevant experience, and always end with a clear call to action.

5. Setting Your Rates and Managing Your Business

Let’s talk money and management and, well, money management.

• Setting your rates: Most projects will be on an hourly or per-project/per-word basis. The lower end of most rates these days is $0.02/word or $20/hour. The higher end falls anywhere from $0.05 to $.10/word or $50+ per hour. Websites like the National Association for Independent Writers and Editors have a ton of helpful info on this.  
• Use contracts and outline expectations: Always use contracts that lay out the details of the project, payment terms, and deadlines that you’ve discussed with the client. Simple programs like HelloSign can help you with that.
• Simple invoicing and bookkeeping tools: Do your best to keep your finances in order with tools like FreshBooks, QuickBooks, or PayPal. They make invoicing and tracking all of your expenses easy-breezy.

The Freelance Mindset

You need more than great writing chops; you also need the right mindset about several things. 

Remember that imposter syndrome and fear of rejection happen to us all, and they are not even real! It’s like worrying about the tooth fairy or the boogeyman. Put your best foot forward, lead with confidence, be professional, ask for clarification, and the rest will fall into place.

You have to self-promote and market your services, but never bite off more than you can chew. Continually share what you do, what you’ve done, and what you can offer. Utilize social media, paid ads, and a lead magnet (some kind of freebie for signing up for your newsletter, etc.) and network with other writers on places like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Reddit.

My last tip is to never settle and NEVER assume you’ve learned it all. Develop a growth mindset and always seek continuous learning. I’ve been doing this for 15 years and am still learning new things every single day.

Think You’re Ready to Become a Freelance Writer?

Becoming a freelance writer is totally achievable with the right tools, preparation, and persistence. I promise! I’ve covered all the essentials you need to get started—from honing your craft to finding clients and managing your freelance business.

And don’t worry about imposter syndrome. Every successful writer started somewhere, and with dedication and strategy, you can, too. If you want even more helpful tools and info, take a look at our other guides right here on the site! Happy writing!

Check out some others we covered:

• Freelance Writing versus Traditional Employment
• What Is Travel Writing
• The Best Free Freelance Writer Invoice Templates

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